Your surroundings can have a significant impact on your mindset, which is why having a workspace that encourages productivity can make all the difference to your output.
If you spend any time working from home, it’s time to perfect your setup, whether that’s creating a study nook or transforming a spare bedroom into an office. Follow these tips to create a space that’s practical yet personal, and somewhere you love spending time from 9 to 5.
Choose a designated workspace
Working from the sofa or dining table might be convenient, but it’s far from ideal when it comes to productivity or minimising distractions. Having a designated workspace creates a physical separation between your professional and personal life, helping you find balance and set boundaries, so that when you log off for the day, you can log off mentally too.
Invest in comfort
Whether you work remotely full-time or WFH one or two days a week, it’s important to create a space that’s comfortable to work in. Consider investing in these home office items to maximise comfort and boost productivity:
- Ergonomic office chair: An adjustable ergonomic chair with lumbar support promotes good posture throughout the day, reducing the risk of physical health ailments like back pain, neck strain and tension headaches.
- Air purifier: Breathing fresh air is proven to improve cognitive function, including better decision-making. You can better the air quality in your WFH space with an air purifier, which filters out pollutants and releases clean air into the atmosphere.
- Blue light screen protector: Apply a screen filter to your laptop or monitor to reduce the blue light your device emits. This helps minimise eye strain and can aid better sleep, which is crucial for focus, creativity and overall job performance.
Promote productivity through design
The design of your workspace will help you achieve your desired atmosphere, whether that’s inspiring, calming or energising. Aspects to consider include:
- Colour: Shade choice sets the tone for your home office. Soft neutrals and earthy tones are popular choices for workspaces, as they create a grounded, inviting atmosphere that encourages focus and energy without being overstimulating.
- Lighting: Layering different light sources allows you to create your ideal office ambience. Supplement natural light, which regulates your circadian rhythm, with ambient lighting for a well-lit space. Then add task lighting, like a desk lamp, to provide focused light where you need it.
- Décor: Wall art and books not only inspire but also add personality, making your home office a reflection of you, and a space that ties in seamlessly with the rest of your interiors.
Organise your workspace
As the saying goes: tidy desk, tidy mind.
Consider what storage you need for your home office. Shelving, boxes or a cabinet will keep paperwork and notebooks in check, preventing your workstation from becoming cluttered. Use a desk organiser to give stationery a home and put your phone in your desk drawer or leave it in another room entirely. Minimising distractions in this way will do wonders for your productivity levels.
Find your dream home for your dream home office
Now you know how to create a productive home office, it’s time to start planning yours. If you’re still figuring out the ‘home’ part of that equation, we’re here to help. At Newlon Living, we offer Shared Ownership homes in North and East London, perfect for professionals balancing work and city life.
From apartments in Enfield to homes for sale in Tower Hamlets, explore our locations to begin your home-buying journey today.